Hardly a day goes by that I don’t speak with someone who is trying to figure out how to make it through the day. Now, keep in mind, most of them are exaggerating when they say they don’t know how they’re going to make it. What they really mean is that they are tired – mentally, physically or emotionally, or some mix of all three. Maybe they legitimately need a break, or maybe they just need to take a minute to see some of the positive side of their life. Some of the folks I talk to seem bound and determined to see the negative side of everything even though their average day is full of blessings. Given that happenstance, I thought I’d take a minute to focus on the meaning of a few things that can help us all see the brighter side of each day.  The question I asked, to select these things was, “What do you live with?” I mean each day, day in and day out. What’s good in your day? (more…)

Nearly every day of my life I hear someone say, “Karma’s a bitch,” or, “Watch what you do; you don’t want Karma visiting it back on you.” Both of these statements indicate a belief in a higher power, even though most of us don’t think of it that way. We tend to talk about karma as if it’s some universal power that builds up and dishes out negative energy based on what we feed into it. The part that is much less discussed or heard about is GOOD karma, but if you take into consideration the possibility of both good and bad karma, and the rewards or punishments visited back upon you based on your actions, you’re really talking about a religious faith… at least of sorts. (more…)

Yesterday evening, in a local cigar shop, there was a conversation held about belief in God. I use the capital “G” there for God, because the conversation started out about whether or not one man’s son believed in God. It quickly morphed into a discussion about the difference between “belief in God,” and “belief in deity.” Like most conversations it eventually morphed into something else (mostly because a lot of people are uncomfortable discussing religion) but it was on my mind as I drove home. As I drove I realized how much I take on faith each day, and how much of that isn’t related to any religion at all. And the realization I’ve had before was reinforced again: “having faith” and “believing in a deity” is such a vast spread of shades of gray that I fail to comprehend how anyone can say they have NO faith. (more…)

I happen to belong to an organization that requires a “belief in deity” to apply for membership. Now very carefully read this: I didn’t say “a belief in God,” or any other specifically named deity, religious icon, etc. I said, it requires a belief in deity. I know people who have expressed a desire to join this organization but those same people say, “But I don’t believe in God.” What god? Whose god? God by what name? Do you not believe in any deity at all? (more…)

A long time ago, a very wise man said this to me: “If someone asks you for a dollar, and it’s within your power to give it, it’s your duty as a human being to give it. However, if someone demands of you twenty-five cents and you don’t wish to give it, then it’s your duty to fight to keep your twenty-five cents. Always be charitable but never be a victim.” (more…)

It’s almost a stereotypical response.  When asked, “What’s most important in a relationship?” one of the most common answers you’ll ever hear is, “Communication.”  Of course, that’s just one word and not the whole answer.  “Open, honest, interactive communication,” is more complete.  For those who think about it and comprehend it, the implications of the three added words, “open, honest, interactive,” can be slightly intimidating and one can’t help but wonder if the fear of them and all they can bring is actually what occasionally inhibits good OPEN, HONEST and INTERACTIVE communication.  Let’s look at what that can mean. (more…)